Measure For Measure (1986)
Measure For Measure sees Icehouse continuing to refine their sound and push their musical boundaries. While still drawing on their signature new wave and synth-pop influences, the album features a greater emphasis on lush production and atmospheric textures. The band achieves a much richer, more beautiful sound on this record and it so far is their best work.
Measure For Measure opens with the driving synth-pop of Paradise, which sets the tone for the entire album with its catchy hooks and soaring melodies. From there, the record runs through a range of musical styles, from the power balladry of The Flame to the propulsive dance-rock of No Promises. There is such a strong start to this record you can only wonder if the band can keep it up for the whole runtime.
Personally, I feel that Regular Boys and "Lucky Me" may be weak, slightly more average tracks on the album, but they still fit within the overall flow of the record and do not detract from its overall quality. Only because there are so many 5 Star songs on Measure For Measure do these two songs feel like a drop in quality. Regular Boys and Lucky Me are almost dirty. They have this grimey, stank-faced rock energy about them. Seemingly massive outliers to the rest of the record, but they manage to flow appropriately
Mr. Big channels the post-punk glam rock that Icehouse has been known to dabble in, while Angel Street treads a newer, soft and gorgeous sounding territory for the band. Cross The Border reminds me a bit of Tears For Fears and it is such a standout on this record with its powerful and anthemic feel. Spanish Gold is toe tapping and hard to not sing along to. Anthemic in its own way and musically texturized, Spanish Gold is one of Icehouse’s finest.
Measure for Measure is a strong and musically diverse record that showcases Icehouse's evolving sound and musical prowess. Perfect for a late night drive, the band's use of synths, guitars, and atmospheric production creates a rich sonic landscape that remains engaging and immersive throughout the records entirety. Measure For Measure is a standout in the band's discography and a must-listen for fans of '80s synth-pop and new wave and a must-listen for anyone reading this review.
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Highlight Song:
Paradise
No Promises
Angel Street
The Flame
Baby You’re So Strange
Cross The Border
Spanish Gold
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Every 5 Star record must be owned. Literally drop what you’re doing right now and go buy this record. Take it home, cook it dinner, light a candle, tell it that it’s beautiful that you’ll never let anything bad happen to it. This is the minimum this record deserves.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
